The last major action was in Carmarthen, Wales, where a convoy of lorries paraded through the town centre to enthusiastic support from the public.

The protests ended with an ultimatum from truckers: they are demanding the government cut fuel duties within 60 days, or they will attempt to bring the country to its knees yet again.

But the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has hinted he will listen to the truckers' concerns - despite a firm statement at the beginning of the crisis he would not give into blockades and pickets.

It is expected to take up to 14 days for some areas of the country to recover completely, as only 26% of petrol stations have adequate supplies of fuel.

Many garages are still rationing, and others are limiting their supplies to emergency vehicles and medical personnel only.

But there has been little public irritation despite the long queues.

Mr Blair has ordered the formation of a new task force of oil executives and police officers to work out how to deal with any future demonstrations.